This is based on the Athens story of Paul going in and recognising that they’ve got all these gods, and pointing them to the God they don’t know about, the one who is at the centre of it all. Cities are places of worship – how do we make sure we invite people to worship the one true God? How do we dethrone the idols of our age? 

Focussing on Paul’s vision for family and community in the context of Ephesus, this is an opportunity to push back on the individualism that dominates in our city and means that although surrounded by millions, people increasingly feel isolated and alone. How do we draw people into the Kingdom community in the midst of this?

This reflects the movement out of Egypt into the freedom of Jerusalem, the city of Shalom. How do we make sure what we’re building in the city is a place of freedom for all? Not just freedom from the world, but freedom for the world. 

The city of Hebron became a city of refuge (Joshua 20). The vision was that if you were on the run, you’d be guaranteed safety. They’re commanded to establish cities of refuge. How do we create cities of refuge? How can London be a place of sanctuary for refugees, the vulnerable and those on the margins of society. How can we create safety within the city, rather than it being dog-eat-dog? How can we build something different?

For Babylon, the tower of Babel is the origin story, and it’s basically trying to build something without God. A lot of people come to London to climb ladders, to extract what they need from the city, and then head to the suburbs and live a comfortable life. In other words, they’re using the city for their own needs and end goals. But a kingdom engagement with the city is more like “I’m here to serve the city.” It’s asking “God, what are you doing in the city?”. I’m not using the city for my glory – I’m serving the city for the glory of God.

Damilola speaks on transformation through faith.

Pete interviews Louise Blyth about her book ‘Hope is Coming’.

Karl Martin speaks about God being a God of disruption.

Al Gordon joins us to speak about preparing the way of the Lord for revival.

Emma kicks off the new year here at KXC!